Better Business Bureau Reviews of all Pardons Companies in Canada

19 / 38 Pardons Canada Service Companies are no longer in business.

This update is about as overdue as the post was when I wrote it. There has been tremendous change in the industry. Hopefully the result will be a stronger, more reliable industry and a lot fewer Canadians getting scammed.

This update is simply going to focus on which companies are no longer in business. There are quite a few and I’m happy to report that it looks like it is the least credible and “scammiest” of the bunch that have gone under. Go figure.

Reviews and Links to Pardon Service Providers in Canada

May 14, 2014

This post is probably long overdue.

Why? Because I hear a lot of complaints about companies offering pardons in Canada. And to be perfectly honest some of them are about my own. So anyone concerned with the level of service we are providing is welcome to contact me directly to discuss. We’re here to help you get things done efficiently. And since it’s not always within our control, we don’t always get things done as quickly as you (or we) would like.

On the other hand I do hear stories about other companies taking peoples money and doing nothing at all. This isn’t ok, obviously. So I always suggest that people do their due diligence when researching the pardon company they wish to hire. That’s why I decided to compile this list of all the BBB ratings for the entire industry.

When I started putting this together I didn’t think there would be so many companies with an A rating. But there are actually quite a few. This is the good news. The bad news is that there are too many with an F rating or no rating at all.

If you are looking for a reliable pardon and waiver service then it is best to know which companies to avoid. The BBB is a good place to start your research because although the BBB does not actually have the authority to force a company to do one thing or the other, it is quite good at compiling complaints and helping mediate a solution.

Ideally you should try and visit the company you want to hire in person but unless you live in one of Canada’s larger cities this probably isn’t an option for you. Therefore you need to do your homework and you need to read all that stuff on the internet with a critical eye.

So here is your pardon and waiver company research starting point. But please bear in mind that the ratings listed below are accurate at the time of writing. Ratings change and therefore you should look up the current rating on the BBB website before making any decision. To do so click the link below or paste the company in question into the BBB search field.

Express Pardons

This one wasn’t arund for very lon. They were the first of the bunch to sink and – imho – the most notorious. They scammed so many people that over four years later I still get calls from time to time from their former “clients”.

Canadian Criminal Pardon Services

What else to watch out for?

So there you have it. A full 50% of the pardon services that were in business at the time of writing this post have gone out of business. Sadly, I can’t say I’m all that surprised.

Anyone searching online for a pardon service will inevitably come across simple landing pages and low content websites that are advertised by the pay per click option of every major search engine. These companies are to be avoided. Here are a few simple rules for determining if a company is legitimate.

RCMP Accreditation: If there isn’t one. Avoid them.

Walk in Centre: It’s nice to know you can visit the company you are hiring.

Address: Some websites don’t even list a contact address. Avoid these companies at all costs.

BBB rating: This one is probably obvious considering the post.

Prices list online: If the costs are not listed online they will try to get as much money as they can out of you, usually by doing little to no work.

That information is just a start Contact me directly if you have any questions.

Michael Ashby 514-842-2411 x 227 mashby@nationalpardon.org

Want to know more?

For more information on the problems associated with this industry you can just read my blog because it’s one of the most common topics I cover.

4 Comments

I have had conflicting advice from different pardon companies I have a pardon and would like to go to the states, one company told me I didn’t need a waiver that I could get a file destruction instead another said I couldn’t get a file destruction because I had been convicted . could you tell me which is correct thanks

What companies have you been talking to? Anyway it doesn’t matter. Whether or not you need a waiver depends on whether or not your criminal record is visible to the US border guards and the nature of the offence. As for a purge and file destruction if you have ever been convicted then that process does not apply to you. You would need a pardon (record suspension) instead. Im not in the office today but feel free to gie any of our counsellors a call or call me tomorrow.

Hello!, I am 64 years old and have a 35 year old record for growing marijuana with intent. For 16 plants. I know Intent? They were trying to make a statement at that time and area. So, over the years I tried a Pardon Services, waist of money and time and them myself with a friend basically taking care of everything. That was over 17 years ago now. Last year I got a Pardon Services and then found out they were red lighted and only lost $100 this time. Now my records are so old and have been erased from a Canadian Pardon from years ago. I did track them all down a few years ago, which was a huge deal and now I cannot find all the record info. I had to go through a special area with somewhere back east. So, I am really at a loss on what to do. They caught me at L.A. airport on a transfer plane from Mexico to Vancouver and were going to take my kid away and dog. and eventually i got a summons to report to L. A. court for not handling my dog right or some crazy thing. I have an 80 year old sister who I would love to see and my 34 year old daughter moved to L.A. a few years ago and would love to see and my nieces and nephews. I have paid my dues. So, I guess it would be best if I found my convictions info. or try and get again. Would a Pardon Services be able to do that and which one. I know I saw the A ones on your list in Vancouver. Sorry, am sure you have heard alot of weird stuff and this is another one. I hope I get a good reply. Thank you

If I understand your comment correctly you need a waiver. We would be happy to help and I assure you we are not red flagged by anyone. Feel free to give me a call and I can get a file started for you right away.